Final-Year University Student Fatally Shot by Security Operatives in Anambra

A 27-year-old final-year student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Noel Okechukwu, was allegedly shot and killed by local vigilante operatives at Senator Stella Oduah’s Estate in Anambra State, with conflicting accounts of the incident suggesting either involvement in looting or a confrontation while buying fish.

Noel Okechukwu, a 27-year-old final-year student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, was allegedly shot and killed by security operatives.

The incident occurred at Senator Stella Oduah’s Estate in Akili-Ozizor Community, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to Punch, local vigilante operatives attached to the estate shot Noel on August 17, 2024. The security operatives claimed Noel was involved in “looting and vandalizing” property in the estate.

Speaking on Thursday, August 29, Noel’s father, Rex Okechukwu, stated that local vigilante operatives shot his son inside the estate while he was on his way to buy fresh fish.

In a petition sent to the Divisional Police Officer at Ogbaru Police Division, Atani, Rex Okechukwu noted that eyewitnesses reported an altercation between Noel and the guards before the shooting occurred.

“The incident happened on Saturday, August 17, 2024. On that day, my son, Noel Okechukwu, a 27-year-old final-year student of Ojukwu University, had gone to Senator Stella Oduah’s Estate in Akili-Ozizor, a nearby community, to buy fresh fish at a pond inside the estate,” the petition read.

“Upon reaching the entrance gate, the private security guards prevented him from entering, leading to an altercation. One of the guards then fired his pump-action rifle, hitting Noel, who collapsed.

“After shooting him, the guards attempted to revive him by giving him water, but he succumbed shortly after. The guards then sent a motorcyclist to inform our family of the tragic incident.

“We, as his family, are demanding justice against the private guards, as they had no right to take our son’s life in such a brutal manner.”

The Divisional Police Officer at Atani, Mr. I. Andrew, confirmed receiving the petition.

“Yes, we have received a petition regarding the alleged shooting and killing. However, the report I have indicates that the deceased was among those accused of looting and vandalizing property inside the estate,” the DPO stated.

“It was reported that the area is known for gunmen activity, and the deceased was allegedly caught with his gang, armed with pump-action guns, looting and vandalizing the estate. When confronted, they reportedly opened fire on the security guards, who returned fire, resulting in his death.”

The DPO added that he has arranged to transfer the case file to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

READ ALSO: 300-Level AAUA Student Shot Dead by Unknown Gunmen

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, LINDA IKEJI